Counselor in Training (CIT) Program
Metroparks Toledo, 5100 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43615
About
The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program includes activities such as archery, canoeing, outdoor exploration, wilderness survival, tree climbing, geocaching, fishing, arts and crafts, nature education, and nature walks. The program also includes training sessions in canoeing, archery, fishing, crafts, and other outdoor skills. CITs need to complete at least two full weeks of camp as part of the program commitment.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Camps run Monday through Friday between June 8 and August 7, beginning no earlier than 8:15 a.m. and ending no later than 3 p.m.; CITs complete at least two full weeks of camp.
Metroparks Toledo states that the Counselor in Training (CIT) program gives youth 13–18 the opportunity to develop leadership skills during Metroparks Summer Camp program and other educational outreach events. The 2026 program involves a commitment to attend two training sessions and to be available for at least two full weeks of camp, with only 30 CITs accepted for the 2026 season. CIT applicants should be at least 13 by June 1, 2026, and should not have graduated from high school prior to 2026, and being a CIT is described as a way to earn service hours, gain experience and build friendships with other teens.
The selection process includes filling out a volunteer application, providing two non-related references, and an interview, with application and references due by February 28 and interviews held on either March 10 or March 12 in 15-minute time slots between 4 and 6 p.m. CIT applicants accepted into the program receive an acceptance email by March 13. Orientation & Workshop A is offered on March 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or April 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and an adult is required to stay with the CIT for the first 15 minutes of this orientation. Workshop B takes place on June 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., lunch is provided, and CITs are asked to bring a water bottle and a change of clothes and to prepare to be outside for canoeing, archery, fishing, crafts, nature walks, and other outdoor skills.
Starting April 27, CITs sign up for camp shifts on a first-come, first-served basis, and each camp has a specific number of needed CITs. Metroparks provides training for CITs in leadership, interpersonal skills, and environmental education, and the general volunteer orientation listed on the application is recommended but not required, since there is a separate required orientation specific to the CIT program. Metroparks Toledo notes that it was the recipient of the 2020 National Gold Medal Award for excellence in parks and recreation management, and lists Hannah Gillen as the Volunteer Engagement Specialist. The Metroparks mission statement says that the Metroparks are common ground that belongs to all, preserves heritage, and makes the many benefits of nature accessible to everyone.
Last updated June 30, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Camps run Monday through Friday between June 8 and August 7, beginning no earlier than 8:15 a.m. and ending no later than 3 p.m.; CITs complete at least two full weeks of camp.
Metroparks Toledo states that the Counselor in Training (CIT) program gives youth 13–18 the opportunity to develop leadership skills during Metroparks Summer Camp program and other educational outreach events. The 2026 program involves a commitment to attend two training sessions and to be available for at least two full weeks of camp, with only 30 CITs accepted for the 2026 season. CIT applicants should be at least 13 by June 1, 2026, and should not have graduated from high school prior to 2026, and being a CIT is described as a way to earn service hours, gain experience and build friendships with other teens.
The selection process includes filling out a volunteer application, providing two non-related references, and an interview, with application and references due by February 28 and interviews held on either March 10 or March 12 in 15-minute time slots between 4 and 6 p.m. CIT applicants accepted into the program receive an acceptance email by March 13. Orientation & Workshop A is offered on March 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or April 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and an adult is required to stay with the CIT for the first 15 minutes of this orientation. Workshop B takes place on June 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., lunch is provided, and CITs are asked to bring a water bottle and a change of clothes and to prepare to be outside for canoeing, archery, fishing, crafts, nature walks, and other outdoor skills.
Starting April 27, CITs sign up for camp shifts on a first-come, first-served basis, and each camp has a specific number of needed CITs. Metroparks provides training for CITs in leadership, interpersonal skills, and environmental education, and the general volunteer orientation listed on the application is recommended but not required, since there is a separate required orientation specific to the CIT program. Metroparks Toledo notes that it was the recipient of the 2020 National Gold Medal Award for excellence in parks and recreation management, and lists Hannah Gillen as the Volunteer Engagement Specialist. The Metroparks mission statement says that the Metroparks are common ground that belongs to all, preserves heritage, and makes the many benefits of nature accessible to everyone.
Last updated June 30, 2026.
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